The past hours witnessed a new military escalation between the United States and Iran, after the US Central Command announced the start of carrying out strikes that it described as “defensive” against multiple targets inside Iran, while Iranian media reported hearing explosions and activating air defense systems in a number of cities and locations in the south of the country, coinciding with American warnings of the possibility of an Iranian response targeting its military bases in the region.
US Army: Defensive strikes against multiple targets
The US military announced the start of carrying out strikes inside Iran, stressing that the operation came in response to what it described as “continuous and unjustified Iranian aggression.”
The US Central Command said that US forces have begun launching additional defensive strikes against multiple targets inside Iran, noting that the operations come to protect US forces and interests in the region.
Axios also quoted an American official as confirming that the American strikes on Iran had already begun, while Israeli Channel 12 reported, quoting an American official, that the attacks were launched in coordination with preparations to confront any possible Iranian response.
Expectations of an Iranian response targeting American bases
On the other hand, American media quoted American officials as expecting Iran to target American bases in response to the recent strikes, similar to the attacks that the region witnessed during the past days.
The “Ediot Ahronoth” network also reported, citing Israeli officials, that Israel is on alert and prepared for the possibility of a resumption of fighting if Iran launches missiles in response to the American strike.
Explosions and activation of air defenses in southern Iran
In conjunction with the American strikes, Iranian media reported hearing explosions in a number of southern regions.
Iranian television announced the activation of air defenses in the city of Asalouyeh in Bushehr Governorate, while Mehr Agency reported hearing explosions in the vicinity of the city of Minab in Hormozgan Governorate in southern Iran.
Iranian media also reported hearing an explosion in the port of Bandar Abbas, one of the most prominent Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf.
Qeshm, Sirik and Bandar Abbas are in the juvenile circuit
Tasnim Agency reported hearing four explosions in the city of Sirik in southern Iran, while Fars Agency reported sounding explosions on Qeshm Island and the activation of air defense systems there.
Later, Tasnim denied the validity of the reports circulating about explosions on the islands of Kish and Qeshm, stressing that the sounds that were heard were the result of clashes or military movements in Gulf waters.
The Revolutionary Guard denies targeting Mehr
For its part, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard denied reports that the city of Mehr in the south of the country was subjected to a direct attack, stressing that the city did not witness any military targeting.
This development comes at a time when the region is witnessing escalating tension, amid international anticipation of the course of the confrontation and the possibilities of expanding the scope of military responses in the coming hours.
The past few hours have witnessed a new military escalation between the United States and Iran, after the US Central Command announced the start of what it described as “defensive” strikes against multiple targets inside Iran. Iranian media reported hearing explosions and activating air defense systems in several cities and sites in the south of the country, coinciding with US warnings of a potential Iranian response targeting its military bases in the region.
US Military: Defensive Strikes Against Multiple Targets
The US military announced the commencement of strikes inside Iran, confirming that the operation was in response to what it described as “ongoing and unjustified Iranian aggression.”
The US Central Command stated that American forces began launching additional defensive strikes against multiple targets inside Iran, noting that the operations were aimed at protecting US forces and interests in the region.
Axios reported that an American official confirmed that the US strikes on Iran had already begun, while Israeli Channel 12 cited an American official stating that the attacks were launched in coordination with preparations to face any potential Iranian response.
Expectations of an Iranian Response Targeting US Bases
In contrast, US media reported that American officials expect Iran to target US bases in response to the recent strikes, similar to the attacks that occurred in the region over the past few days.
The “Idiot Ahronot” network reported, citing Israeli officials, that Israel is on alert and prepared for the possibility of resuming combat if Iran launches missiles in response to the US strike.
Explosions and Activation of Air Defenses in Southern Iran
Coinciding with the US strikes, Iranian media reported hearing explosions in several southern areas.
The Iranian television announced the activation of air defenses in the city of Assaluyeh in Bushehr Province, while the Mehr news agency reported hearing explosions around the city of Minab in Hormozgan Province in southern Iran.
Iranian media also reported hearing an explosion at the port of Bandar Abbas, one of the most prominent Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf.
Qeshm, Sirik, and Bandar Abbas in the Spotlight
The Tasnim agency reported hearing four explosions in the city of Sirik in southern Iran, while the Fars agency mentioned the sound of explosions on Qeshm Island and the activation of air defense systems there.
Later, Tasnim denied the circulating news about explosions occurring on the islands of Kish and Qeshm, confirming that the sounds heard were the result of clashes or military movements in the Gulf waters.
The Revolutionary Guard Denies Targeting Mehr
For its part, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard denied reports of a direct attack on the city of Mehr in the south of the country, confirming that the city had not witnessed any military targeting.
This development comes at a time when the region is experiencing escalating tensions, amid international anticipation regarding the course of the confrontation and the potential for an expansion of military responses in the coming hours.
